10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Kingsport, TN
Looking for fun
day trips from Kingsport, Tennessee that get you out of Sullivan County for a few hours? You’re in a sweet spot. In less than an hour or so, you can reach mountain vistas, quaint downtowns, trout streams, and even an honest-to-goodness covered bridge.
All of the ideas below are outside Kingsport and outside Sullivan County, in neighboring Tennessee and Virginia counties. They’re perfect if you’re craving a short road trip, but don’t want to spend all day in the car.
1. Explore Historic Jonesborough, TN (Washington County)
If you love small-town charm, put
Jonesborough at the top of your list. It’s Tennessee’s oldest town and it feels like walking onto a movie set.
Stroll down Main Street and you’ll find brick sidewalks, colorful storefronts, and old buildings that now house cafes and shops. On weekends, it’s common to see folks sitting outside with coffee, just people-watching.
- Drive time from Kingsport: About 35–40 minutes
- Best for: History buffs, shoppers, families
- Don’t miss: The storytelling heritage and historic walking streets
If you enjoy browsing antiques, grabbing a sandwich, then finishing with ice cream, this little town is an easy win for a relaxed day trip.
2. Soak Up Nature at Roan Mountain State Park (Carter County, TN)
When the mountains start calling,
Roan Mountain State Park is a beautiful answer. Located in Carter County, it offers cool streams, shady trails, and access to some of the prettiest high-elevation scenery in the region.
The drive itself is part of the fun. Once you’re near the park, the road winds through thick forest and along the Doe River.
- Drive time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
- Best for: Hikers, photographers, couples, families
- Highlights:
If you go in June, the rhododendrons on the high balds are unreal. But even on an ordinary day, it’s a peaceful escape from town.
3. Step Back in Time at David Crockett Birthplace State Park (Washington County, TN)
Love American history? Head to
David Crockett Birthplace State Park near Limestone, in Washington County. It’s a quiet park along the Nolichucky River with a replica cabin and historical exhibits about the famous frontiersman.
It’s not a big, flashy attraction, and that’s exactly the charm. You can walk along the river, read about Crockett’s life, and enjoy a slower pace.
- Drive time: Around 45–50 minutes
- Best for: History lovers, kids, teachers, casual walkers
- Things to do:
- Visit the cabin replica and small museum displays
- Walk the riverside paths
- Pack a picnic and relax by the water
If you’ve got kids who are learning about pioneers in school, this is a fun way to bring those stories to life.
4. Visit the Covered Bridge in Elizabethton, TN (Carter County)
Looking for a simple, photogenic stop that doesn’t take all day? Check out the
Elizabethton Covered Bridge in Carter County.
This wooden bridge stretches over the Doe River right in town. There’s a park on both sides, making it a great place to walk, take photos, or let the kids burn off some energy.
- Drive time: About 1 hour
- Best for: Couples, photographers, families, short outings
- Ideas:
- Grab coffee or lunch downtown and walk to the bridge
- Take family photos with the river and bridge as your backdrop
- Relax on a bench and watch the water roll by
If you just want a low-stress drive and a pleasant place to wander, this is ideal.
5. Hike the Appalachian Trail at Carver’s Gap (Carter County, TN / Near Roan Mountain)
If you want a “wow” view without an expert-level hike, the section of the
Appalachian Trail at Carver’s Gap is hard to beat. This high pass sits on the border, and most folks get there through Carter County and the Roan Mountain area.
From the parking area, you can walk just a short distance and already be rewarded with sweeping ridgeline views. Some sections are rocky and can be windy, but the path is easy to follow.
- Drive time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
- Best for: Hikers, sunset chasers, adventurous couples
- Tips:
- Bring a jacket – it’s cooler and windier up there, even in summer
- Wear decent shoes – some stretches are uneven
- Check the weather before you go – fog can roll in quickly
On a clear day, the rolling mountain balds feel almost like the top of the world.
6. Wander the Streets of Abingdon, VA (Washington County, VA)
Just across the state line,
Abingdon in
Washington County, Virginia, makes a great day trip from Kingsport. It’s known for its arts scene, historic downtown, and the famous
Barter Theatre.
You don’t have to catch a show to enjoy Abingdon, though. There are brick sidewalks, restored buildings, and plenty of cute spots to eat and shop.
- Drive time: Around 45–50 minutes
- Best for: Couples, friends, culture lovers
- Don’t miss:
- Walking Main Street and checking out the old architecture
- Stopping into local bakeries or coffee shops
- Exploring trailheads connected to the Virginia Creeper Trail area
If you enjoy a relaxed downtown with a little bit of everything, Abingdon fits the bill.
7. Ride or Walk the Virginia Creeper Trail (Washington County, VA)
The
Virginia Creeper Trail is a converted rail line that now serves as one of the region’s most beloved biking and walking trails. While it stretches across more than one area, a popular access point for Kingsport folks is near Abingdon in Washington County, VA.
You can walk small portions, or rent a bike and do a longer stretch. The trail is mostly gentle and shaded, crossing streams and old trestles.
- Drive time: About 45–60 minutes, depending on your access point
- Best for: Cyclists, walkers, families, casual adventurers
- What to know:
- Plenty of sections are family-friendly and not too steep
- Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen
- Check local outfitters for bike rentals and shuttle options
If you’ve been wanting to try a rail-trail ride, this is one of the most scenic ones in the Southeast.
8. Enjoy a Twin-City Visit to Bristol, VA (Independent City of Bristol)
When people say “Bristol,” they often mean both the Tennessee and Virginia sides. Since we’re staying out of Sullivan County, focus your visit on the
Bristol, Virginia side of
State Street, which sits in the independent city of Bristol.
This downtown has a fun mix of old and new, with classic neon signs, music history, and modern restaurants. You can literally stand with one foot in each state on the state line in the middle of the street.
- Drive time: About 35–45 minutes
- Best for: Music fans, food lovers, evening strolls
- Ideas for your visit:
- Explore State Street and snap a photo under the famous Bristol sign (aim for the VA side)
- Browse local shops and record stores
- Catch live music at one of the venues if your timing is right
It’s an easy after-work or weekend trip when you want more options for dining and nightlife than you’ll find at home.
9. Get Away to the High Country in Johnson County, TN
If you’re craving fresh mountain air without a crowded scene,
Johnson County offers a quieter kind of beauty. This area feels more remote, with rolling hills, farms, and mountain views around almost every bend.
While there are several spots to explore, think about heading toward the Mountain City area for a simple scenic drive and some hiking options in the surrounding national forest lands.
- Drive time: Typically around 1 hour 15–30 minutes
- Best for: Scenic drives, road-trip lovers, hikers
- Why go:
- Less traffic and more open space
- Cooler temperatures at higher elevations
- Great backdrop for fall foliage drives
If you like the feeling of truly “getting away,” this part of northeast Tennessee will speak your language.
10. Discover Rural Beauty in Scott County, VA
To the north of Kingsport,
Scott County, Virginia is a peaceful, rural area where time seems to slow down. Rolling farmland, forested hills, and winding backroads make it perfect if you just want to drive, relax, and stop when something catches your eye.
You can piece together your own mini “loop,” stopping at small country stores, creeks, or overlooks along the way.
- Drive time: 30–60 minutes, depending on your route
- Best for: Sunday drives, photographers, couples
- Road-trip tips:
- Fill up on gas before you head too far back into the hills
- Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks
- Take your time – the point here is the ride itself
If you’re the type who enjoys pulling off for a random photo of a barn with mountains behind it, this county is made for you.
How to Make the Most of These Kingsport Road Trips
To keep your
short road trips from Kingsport easy and fun, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check drive times before you go so you’re not rushed.
- Watch the weather, especially for mountain trips like Roan Mountain or Carver’s Gap.
- Pack a small day bag with water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger.
- Have a backup plan in case a trail, park area, or shop is unexpectedly closed.
One nice thing about living in or visiting Kingsport is just how many options you have within about an hour’s drive. You can chase history one weekend, hit the mountains the next, and still be home by evening.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips from Kingsport
Have you tried any of these out-of-county road trips from Kingsport, TN? Maybe you’ve found a quiet picnic spot near Roan Mountain, or a favorite coffee shop in Jonesborough or Abingdon?
I’d love to hear your ideas.
- Which nearby town surprised you the most?
- Do you have a go-to scenic drive route?
- Any hidden gems in Carter, Hawkins, Johnson, Washington (TN), Scott (VA), Washington (VA), or Bristol, VA that others should know about?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments so fellow travelers can discover new places too. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for easy road trip ideas from Kingsport. Your share might inspire someone’s next great weekend adventure.
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